Drivers face fines as France tyre ban comes into force

Update November 5: Fines are not being handed out this winter for non-compliance with snow tyre rules, despite earlier plans.

The use of M+S label tyres that do not also have the three peak snowflake logo is to be banned in certain mountainous areas of France from November as a road safety law comes into full effect. 

The Loi Montagne 2 introduced new rules for driving in certain mountain areas during the winter months. Under this law, vehicles in areas designated by the departmental prefecture must:

• Either carry metal snow chains or 'snow socks' in their boot, which can be equipped to at least two drive wheels;
• or be fitted with four winter tyres marked with the 'three peak mountain snowflake' (3PMSF) logo.

However, the law included a three-year period of tolerance for M+S 'all-season' tyres without the 3PMSF logo. 

During this period of tolerance, police could stop drivers to check their tyres and remind them of the law if they did not have the correct ones fitted.

The end of the period of tolerance for M+S tyres without the 3PMSF logo is effective from the 2024 winter season, which runs from November 1 to March 31.

After November 1, drivers using tyres without the 3PMSF logo were expected to face a fine of €135 in certain areas unless they can equip their tyres with chains or 'snow socks'. 

However, authorities are not handing out fines this winter, as the politicial instability in the summer delayed these plans. Instead, the period of tolerance will last for another winter.

Drivers who are fined will not be subject to a points deduction from their licence.

Note that if a tyre has the M+S label in addition to the three peak mountain snowflake logo, it will still be acceptable after November 1.

Coaches, buses and HGVs without trailers are also subject to these requirements, with a choice between chains or winter tyres. 

HGVs with trailers must be fitted with snow chains to equip on at least two drive wheels, even if they are equipped with winter tyres.

What is an M+S tyre?

The M+S label stands for ‘Mud + Snow’, and appears on many tyres marketed as 'all season'.

However this is a declarative label applied by the manufacturer and not the accepted norm for mountainous areas.

The accepted norm for all-season, or snow, tyres is 3PMSF, which is represented by a logo depicting three mountain peaks and a snowflake.

MAP: The French areas that require snow tyres this winter

What is a 3PMSF tyre?

The American-designed 3PMSF tyre was introduced in Europe in 2012 and given a European ECE standard in 2016 for driving in winter conditions.

Tyres that meet the 3PMSF norm are designed to stay flexible in temperatures below 7C and to retain their grip on snow, slush, wet roads and bare asphalt, however their depth of tread can vary. 

Although it is not a legal requirement, most manufacturers recommend a minimum tread depth of at least 4mm, however 5mm is advisable for snowy conditions.